Final Decision on E-Tolls to be Made During Budget Speech in February 2022 – Mbalula
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says the future of e-tolls is receiving priority attention by Cabinet and will be finalized soon.
The Gauteng government including the African National Congress (ANC) have been vocal about wanting national government to scrap the system in its current form.
The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) launched the e-Tolling project in 2013 as part of the plan to improve the road network in Gauteng.
However, it has been met with resistance from motorists who have refused to pay the e-Toll bills.
In a statement, Mbalula says articulated the challenges posed by the delay in making the final decision on e-tolls.
“The final determination is about how best to carry the cost burden of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, while maintaining these roads in a pristine condition. We agreed with the Minister of Finance that the announcement of the final decision will be made during the Budget Speech in February 2022.”
During a briefing on Friday on the state of transport entities, Mbalula noted that there have been delays in reaching a final decision on e-tolls as any decision includes a negative effect on the balance sheet of SANRAL and its ability to maintain the non-toll road portfolio.
